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Want to go lighter..

bass hed

bass hed

Apr 12, 2015
65
99
51
Lincoln Park
#1
Hey looking for advice. I am tired of lugging my current 4x10 4 ohm cabinet which weighs around 90+ lbs. I did however, love that it pushed my head. I would love to find something that weighs less and has a smaller footprint, or at least weighs less and has enough juice to keep up with a full band. I currently have a fender rumble v3 head (love the portability and the sound) but wouldn't be against selling that and getting something else either. I gig every weekend so lugging this cabinet is getting tiring, and most of the shows are PA supported, so I am mainly using it as a monitor although my guitarist keeps telling me to turn it up on stage so he can feel it, lol, no I'm not joking. I also have a Genz Benz 112t cabinet which is super light but I haven't used it yet in my current setting, I only used it when I play in a jazz band that played coffee houses etc..so I never really tested the volume on it and pushed it. Has anyone used just a 112 in a full band setting? I feel like this wouldn't be enough but I am not sure. I had another 112 (Mark Bass) and felt like it didn't sound so great with the Genz so I sold it. I am not emotionally attached to any of the gear so I am willing to sell or keep and/or add on, also willing to do 2 2x10's. I just know that I want to go lighter and possibly smaller and something that I can use for those shows where I can't D.I in. Just wondering what people use and if anyone else went through the same issue.
 
#2
I would consider a Neo 4X10 cab (my Markbass 4x10 comes in at about 65 pounds) or if you want to go with even a more portable setup, try vertically stacking two 2x10 cabs (or maybe a combination of a 2x10 and a 4x10 Neo cab). Vertically stacking 2x10's will get the sound closer to your ears, which some players prefer.

If you are looking for some oomph you will likely be unsuccessful making a 1x10 or 1x12 work. You need to move air, and that generally requires the use of multiple speakers.
 
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#5
Since you have the 1x12 and you'd use it as a monitor anyways, I'd try that before spending cash.

Put it up on stand and see if it works for you.

Btw, forget about what your guitar player says. If your rig is actually vibrating the stage so much that you can "feel" it, that's something that needs to eq'd out, most likely with an HPF.

What's your max budget?
 
Last edited:
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#6
I have 2 rigs that I use - 1. Bergantino CN 112 pair powered by a Berg Forte head. Cabs weigh about 28 lbs each and the head around 6. 2. Mesa Subway 15 with a Mesa Subway D800 head. I am also the PA guy, so the weight just adds right up when you're a senior! So I put these rigs together specifically to keep the weight down but maintain asskickability. I have never been happier with my amplification and do not hesitate to recommend these 2 brands, but there are plenty of manufacturers catering to this segment of the market. Good luck!
 
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#9
Stumbo said:
Since you have the 1x12 and you'd use it as a monitor anyways, I'd try that before spending cash.

Put it up on stand and see if it works for you.

Btw, forget about what your guitar player says. If your rig is actually vibrating the stage so much that you can "feel" it, that's something that needs to eq'd out, most likely with an HPF.

What's your max budget?
Click to expand...
The guitarist didn't mean it in a negative way. He wants me to be louder, lol.
The other guitarist sings and play acoustic (part of the time) so he likes the bass to help guide him through the solos.
That is a good idea about trying it out. I have a gig this weekend so I'll see how it goes. I guess as far as a budget I would prefer to keep everything under 1,200$
 
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#10
Another +1 for two 1x12's. I've been using that setup now for a few years. I was an adamant 4x10 or 8x10 user depending on gig size before. I still love the 8x10, but I haven't played many places where I didn't feel comfortable with just the two 1x12's.

That said, I've only played one gig with a single 1x12 cab that was provided as a backline, and I personally was very underwhelmed. I was longing for that second cab the whole set.

If you're alright with buying used, you can score two quality 1x12 cabs for well under $1200.
 
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#14
Bergantino HG412. 64 pounds.
20190124_132912.jpg
 
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#15
If you have a Rumble v3 head you like, the matching Rumble cabs are worth a look. I used to have a Rumble 500 head and two of the 2x10 cabs and it was a nice lightweight rig with plenty of firepower. You could save a little money and get a pair of the Rumble 1x15 cabs, too, or just the Rumble 4x10 that's almost 30 pounds lighter than your current 4x10 and still has wheels built in (though I'm a proponent of the Rock 'n Roller cart, personally).

Otherwise, finding a second Genz Benz 1x12 to double up your current cab would be a wise option, if you don't mind bringing two smaller cabs. Any of the Mesa and Barefaced cabs are a solid choice, albeit a more upmarket expense. I have a Barefaced Super Compact that's absolutely ridiculous for a 1x12; I'm pretty confident it matches my Ampeg 410HE for output while being tuned deeper.
 
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#17
bass hed said:
Hey looking for advice. I am tired of lugging my current 4x10 4 ohm cabinet which weighs around 90+ lbs. I did however, love that it pushed my head. I would love to find something that weighs less and has a smaller footprint, or at least weighs less and has enough juice to keep up with a full band. I currently have a fender rumble v3 head (love the portability and the sound) but wouldn't be against selling that and getting something else either. I gig every weekend so lugging this cabinet is getting tiring, and most of the shows are PA supported, so I am mainly using it as a monitor although my guitarist keeps telling me to turn it up on stage so he can feel it, lol, no I'm not joking. I also have a Genz Benz 112t cabinet which is super light but I haven't used it yet in my current setting, I only used it when I play in a jazz band that played coffee houses etc..so I never really tested the volume on it and pushed it. Has anyone used just a 112 in a full band setting? I feel like this wouldn't be enough but I am not sure. I had another 112 (Mark Bass) and felt like it didn't sound so great with the Genz so I sold it. I am not emotionally attached to any of the gear so I am willing to sell or keep and/or add on, also willing to do 2 2x10's. I just know that I want to go lighter and possibly smaller and something that I can use for those shows where I can't D.I in. Just wondering what people use and if anyone else went through the same issue.
Click to expand...

Go with smaller 2x10 or 1x15 cabs and just use 2 of them
 
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#18
Can't recommend the Rumble 4x10s enough. They are way lighter than 90 lbs, closer to ~64 lbs, cheap, and take a ton of abuse with daily gigging. My 1x15 is plenty loud enough for any gig with FOH support, and weighs something dumb like 35 lbs. But it certainly can't keep up with a 4x10 for absolute volume.

Check out some of the newer, stacked 2x12s, too.TC Electronic makes on that looks cool and isn't too expensive: https://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/tc-electronic-k212-2x12-400w-bass-cabinet

I've found a 2x12 to be just as loud, if not louder, than the average 4x10.
 
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#20
Without knowing how loud your band is, and what you all use for stage volume, I find it hard to give good advice.
I agree with the above who say try what you have.
I think there is a reasonably good chance you can find a used GB cabinet like yours in decent shape if one is not enough.
I have the GB 2x12 neo and frankly, you would have to pay alot more to get much better.
 
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